Here's my email (I was selected as an alternate):
Subject: Ford Foundation Fellowships Program 2012 Predoctoral Competition Notification
From: NRCFONoReply@nas.edu
Ford Foundation Fellowships Program 2012 Predoctoral Competition Notification Letter Attached
Thank you for your participation in this competition
The NRC Fellowships Office Staff
Dear Ford Foundation Fellowship Predoctoral Applicant:
Your application in the 2012 competition of the Ford Foundation Fellowships Program at the predoctoral level has been carefully evaluated, and your name has been placed on a list of alternates whose applications will be considered for an award in the event that an awardee declines a fellowship offer. We expect to make such decisions approximately one month from now. Unless you have previously requested otherwise, your name will appear on the Honorable Mention List, which will be posted on the Fellowships Office web page of the National Academies website once the final award list is confirmed. If we do not contact you again, unfortunately we are unable to offer you a fellowship this year.
Approximately 1300 predoctoral applications were reviewed by panels composed of highly qualified scientists, engineers, and humanities scholars from across the nation. Since only 60 predoctoral awards are available, many deserving candidates could not be selected.
Application materials for the 2013 competition will become available in September 2012. If you are eligible to apply in this program next year, visit the Fellowships Office Web Page: www.national- academies.org/fellowships for information and materials.
On behalf of the Ford Foundation and the National Research Council of the National Academies, I thank you for your participation in this competition and hope that you will successfully find funding for the continuation of your graduate education.