I know servers can cost a lot, to serve a lot of people, BUT.... WP can make like 3% or more on amazon(So purchases of less than $3300/month on amazon could pay for a nice server here), can make a LOT on google(although it is usually only a few cents(A couple hits/month on a link about mesothelioma can pay for a nicer server)), can make money per exposure(maybe 9900000/month), per click(maybe 9900/month), or per sale(probably less than 19/month) on other ads. Of course, exposure makes less than click which makes less than per sale. WP can ALSO make money through advocacy, associations, and talks.(again, more effort, but more consistant money) It all depends on getting a lot of people here that might buy.
I CAN tell you that most people here are probably not good customers(no offense, but with the talk about SSI, not having jobs, the age of many here, etc...), and it isn't perfect. I don't know if WP made a penny on me yet. But SOME make a LOT of money by doing less!
BTW my finances have just not been that good, etc..., so I haven't bothered setting up donations. Though I AM planning to be FAR better off financially some time next month. Who knows, WP may get some money from me yet. 