It is not owned or run by GD, but by someone that spends personal time doing this for no monetary return. We are very lucky to have such a fine place to gather and discuss. The $12 helps cover the cost of the site itself.
I'd also mention one of the points made on the membership information is that the fee does a really effective job of keeping the trolls out. That point alone was all it took to inspire me to get a 3 year membership- and $1 a month isn't that unreasonable. (Just my $.02)