I agree, this site needs to remain private. Raising the funds every month isn't the current problem anyway. It's getting the money from one hand to the other, and apparently that situation is being worked out.
As far as monthly hosting costs goes, it's not a huge amount to pay. With as many regular members as we have, raising that amount shouldn't be a problem if there was a easier or less complicated way to contribute. I currently chip in (thru Patreon) roughly 8% (of the $400) and will soon up that to 10%. It would take only 9 other members contributing a like amount, or 18 members contributing half that amount, every month to pay the hosting.
I do not mind chipping in, even knowing not everyone can or will contribute, because this community is well worth it.