"where did that money go " ?

deposits in advance to Marquee and Hall Hire organisations. Essential as they look for bona fides and some recompense for declining other requests for services.

On-line ticketing - maybe the outfit took commission at the point of sale. I well remember buying from Comet a month before they closed and the receipt clearly explained any refund would be minus an amount for some obscure company that was probably owned by the directors of Comet.

Webspace/domains. Printing. telephones. It all adds up, and has to be paid well before the event.

And let's be honest, volunteers can not do these jobs in the most cost efficient way, they probably have day jobs.

Which is why Mr Red stewards at festivals to help them, and pays for certain festivals because it supports them (& there is another person to comply with!)

FWIW I happen to know that Upton upon Severn FF 4-7 May (soon) & "not for profit" survives on the goodwill of the committee, and the town.