It's a free resource that seemingly uses discarded hardware from AOL... They do not charge for other sites using their content, so long as their licensing agreement is followed.
Here's an interesting thought. If the ODP ceased to exist, how long would the Google Directory continue to exist (seein as it's a mirror of the ODP), and what effect would it have on the Google search engine? Hope this isn't changing the subject too much. I don't know that Google pays the ODP anything, why would it? It would be against the ODP social contract that allows anyone to use the data freely, with attribution. Why pay for something that's freely offered?
Interesting question... and I think the answer is "Possibly years" as up until recently, the google directory went over a year and a half before they bothered to once again update from the ODP. Then again, even with them updating monthly now (that's still right, right?) some of the cats have sat for years without change, so update or not, some is as it always was I think a more interesting question would be: If the ODP ceased to exist, would SEO blogs still say it was important? *snicker* Donating to a good cause could be a good answer. Maybe to help AOL pay the bills, lol. Though, I too do not know the answer, though if I had to actually guess, I would say "No, Google hasn't given money".
I know they don't normally consult with each other, as far as I know. Each is doing it's own thing. If I could say anything to Google it would be, " Allow submissions, and take the heat from submitters yourselves, instead of passing it along to us." lol They get the benefit of a Directory that they didn't build, we get the heat.
That is where it belongs... Other then issues between updates, something that is or is not in DMOZ is the fault of DMOZ. Though, I think it would be awesome if Google would start their own directory... heh, they could use their East Indian Army to build it