Our current balance is around $6000 and the average monthly cost to keep us running is $250.
If you’d like to take a closer look at our finances, then you can do it here -> https://opencollective.com/beehaw-collective
All of that being said, is there another service that the Beehaw community could provide with the extra funds?
One example could be to establish a Nonprofit Corporation (501©(3)) to create a legally recognized nonprofit with a clear charitable mission: education, health services, housing, etc.
Agree with everyone here saying to bank it. Biggest risk to smaller communities likes this is shutting down due to running out of funds. Have experienced that with Mastodon instances before and it’s a shame.
With this money set aside you can all but guarantee to keep the site up for the next 1.5 years given hosting price increases and user growth. Probably won’t mean that donations stop, but at least it won’t be a race against bankruptcy and shutdown every month.
Also excellent work, everyone on the team! I don’t like social media but always enjoy coming to read articles and discuss with the fine people here.