Man this is a tough one
well we all know this has cost us or at least some of us lots of money for equipment,travel expenses etc.
It would be nice to get money from doing this but think of it this way, being non-profit gives you the look of someone not trying to be a crook or someone trying to fake just to earn a living etc.We are generally trying to help the public,get answers for yourself and for the field.The thing is (usually) you cannot recreate the activity and at most times (from a skeptics point of view) could be blown off as "It was probably this"
OR "It was probably that"
I do feel as far as money goes that we should be compensated for Long distance travel, I mean come on..... you know if you get a local case you are going to be happy as hell to go and do it because of the thrill factor
On our fliers,business cards etc it says "donations are accepted but not necessary, they will be used for travel expenses ,equipment for the field etc".