I would think there are two big reasons why:
#1- by the rules set forth by umbrella org (IFC, NPC, NPHC, etc), larger organizations cannot support a new organization because they are not part of their umbrella org. There are issues of risk management and insurance to consider. Barbara may be able to give a more adequate answer to this point, though.
#2- I've found (as a member of a local/new org) that those who are truly comfortable with their greek identity, those who truly embrace the ideals of their house, are ecstatic about any new greek on campus. Those who aren't, are not at all receptive to any new group.
I've had two rather interesting experiences to that effect. I was asked by a waitress at a restaurant close to campus, how come she hadn't seen me and my sisters at a major, recent greek event. I explained to her that we were as yet small, not organized enough to send a huge delgation. Plus, we weren't part of NPC, so we didn't feel we could participate. She was all smiles to know that another sorority existed on campus...her point of view was "So what if you're not a part of NPC, we need to be in {this effort} together! We need you guys!" Here was a novel concept: a sister of one of the biggest houses on campus, expressing that we were needed. I felt really welcomed to OU greekdom.
The other experience was not positive. I got stopped by a young lady wearing letters. She challenged me on my right to wear my own letters! Apparently, she had mistaken the letters as being her own (from a distance), and didn't recognize me. She halfway apologized for the mistake, and I thought the matter had ended. She then asked, which sorority I was a member of? I told her, and she said "Huh...never heard of it. It must be a new one." I replied in the affirmative. "Well, it's fake then. No *real* one has been established for a long time now. So don't pretend like you're something you're not." Well ladies, I know who I am, and what I stand for. I guess she doen't!
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