If you need any tips website designer wise and seo wise then please email me. I found this place just by pure chance. I can help you get better Google rankings.
I used to web design up to 3 years ago but still keep my toes in the waters
GetYourWeb.co.uk - your personal website designer, based in South East London. is my site. One of many actually.
As for the advertising I have not even noticed its there. Could be my Norton blocking it. Make sure you choose the right companies if placing ads directly.
I don't like Google ads much as sometimes the bot throws up totally wrong ads.
But yes, you should have some funds to pay for any enhancements. But I think you first need to get more people into this forum, who will come and post regularly. Which means you need to build links to this forum from other high traffic websites working in the same arena. You might even have to consider to spend your advertising money on advertising on Google for this forum. Once you have the numbers and a dedicated team posting every day, then I would look for any bells and whistles to enhance the forum. Have you looked at your competition to see how they are getting their members?