diff --git a/src/components/EntityGrid.vue b/src/components/EntityGrid.vue
index b85e6d09..1a964d8c 100644
--- a/src/components/EntityGrid.vue
+++ b/src/components/EntityGrid.vue
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ projects, and special entities with selection. * * @author Matthew Raymer */
     </template>
 
     <!-- Empty state message -->
-    <li v-if="entities.length === 0" :class="emptyStateClasses">
+    <li v-if="hasNoEntities" :class="emptyStateClasses">
       {{ emptyStateMessage }}
     </li>
 
@@ -164,6 +164,10 @@ import { Contact } from "../db/tables/contacts";
 import { PlanData } from "../interfaces/records";
 import { NotificationIface } from "../constants/app";
 import { UNNAMED_ENTITY_NAME } from "@/constants/entities";
+import { PlatformServiceMixin } from "@/utils/PlatformServiceMixin";
+import { getHeaders } from "../libs/endorserServer";
+import { logger } from "../utils/logger";
+import { TIMEOUTS } from "@/utils/notify";
 
 /**
  * Constants for infinite scroll configuration
@@ -191,6 +195,7 @@ const RECENT_CONTACTS_COUNT = 3;
     ProjectCard,
     SpecialEntityCard,
   },
+  mixins: [PlatformServiceMixin],
 })
 export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
   /** Type of entities to display */
@@ -202,6 +207,16 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
   isSearching = false;
   searchTimeout: NodeJS.Timeout | null = null;
   filteredEntities: Contact[] | PlanData[] = [];
+  searchBeforeId: string | undefined = undefined;
+  isLoadingSearchMore = false;
+
+  // API server for project searches
+  apiServer = "";
+
+  // Internal project state (when entities prop not provided for projects)
+  allProjects: PlanData[] = [];
+  loadBeforeId: string | undefined = undefined;
+  isLoadingProjects = false;
 
   // Infinite scroll state
   displayedCount = INITIAL_BATCH_SIZE;
@@ -211,17 +226,17 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
   /**
    * Array of entities to display
    *
+   * For contacts (entityType === 'people'): REQUIRED - Must be a COMPLETE list from local database.
+   * Use $contactsByDateAdded() to ensure all contacts are included.
+   * Client-side filtering assumes the complete list is available.
    * IMPORTANT: When passing Contact[] arrays, they must be sorted by date added
    * (newest first) for the "Recently Added" section to display correctly.
-   * Use $contactsByDateAdded() instead of $getAllContacts() or $contacts().
    *
-   * The recentContacts computed property assumes contacts are already sorted
-   * by date added and simply takes the first 3. If contacts are sorted
-   * alphabetically or in another order, the wrong contacts will appear in
-   * "Recently Added".
+   * For projects (entityType === 'projects'): OPTIONAL - If not provided, EntityGrid loads
+   * projects internally from the API server. If provided, uses the provided list.
    */
-  @Prop({ required: true })
-  entities!: Contact[] | PlanData[];
+  @Prop({ required: false })
+  entities?: Contact[] | PlanData[];
 
   /** Active user's DID */
   @Prop({ required: true })
@@ -293,6 +308,33 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
     return "text-xs text-slate-500 italic col-span-full";
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Check if there are no entities to display
+   */
+  get hasNoEntities(): boolean {
+    if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+      // For projects: check internal state if no entities prop, otherwise check prop
+      const projectsToCheck = this.entities || this.allProjects;
+      return projectsToCheck.length === 0;
+    } else {
+      // For people: entities prop is required
+      return !this.entities || this.entities.length === 0;
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get the entities array to use (prop or internal state)
+   */
+  get entitiesToUse(): Contact[] | PlanData[] {
+    if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+      // For projects: use prop if provided, otherwise use internal state
+      return this.entities || this.allProjects;
+    } else {
+      // For people: entities prop is required
+      return this.entities || [];
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * Computed entities to display - uses function prop if provided, otherwise uses infinite scroll
    * When searching, returns filtered results with infinite scroll applied
@@ -305,12 +347,12 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
 
     // If custom function provided, use it (disables infinite scroll)
     if (this.displayEntitiesFunction) {
-      return this.displayEntitiesFunction(this.entities, this.entityType);
+      return this.displayEntitiesFunction(this.entitiesToUse, this.entityType);
     }
 
     // Default: projects use infinite scroll
     if (this.entityType === "projects") {
-      return (this.entities as PlanData[]).slice(0, this.displayedCount);
+      return (this.entitiesToUse as PlanData[]).slice(0, this.displayedCount);
     }
 
     // People: handled by recentContacts + alphabeticalContacts (both use displayedCount)
@@ -324,7 +366,11 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
    * See the entities prop documentation for details on using $contactsByDateAdded().
    */
   get recentContacts(): Contact[] {
-    if (this.entityType !== "people" || this.searchTerm.trim()) {
+    if (
+      this.entityType !== "people" ||
+      this.searchTerm.trim() ||
+      !this.entities
+    ) {
       return [];
     }
     // Entities are already sorted by date added (newest first)
@@ -336,7 +382,11 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
    * Uses infinite scroll to control how many are displayed
    */
   get alphabeticalContacts(): Contact[] {
-    if (this.entityType !== "people" || this.searchTerm.trim()) {
+    if (
+      this.entityType !== "people" ||
+      this.searchTerm.trim() ||
+      !this.entities
+    ) {
       return [];
     }
     // Skip the first few (recent contacts) and sort the rest alphabetically
@@ -457,47 +507,28 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
 
   /**
    * Perform the actual search
+   * Routes to server-side search for projects or client-side filtering for contacts
    */
   async performSearch(): Promise<void> {
     if (!this.searchTerm.trim()) {
       this.filteredEntities = [];
       this.displayedCount = INITIAL_BATCH_SIZE;
+      this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
       this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
       return;
     }
 
     this.isSearching = true;
+    this.searchBeforeId = undefined; // Reset pagination for new search
 
     try {
-      // Simulate async search (in case we need to add API calls later)
-      await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 100));
-
-      const searchLower = this.searchTerm.toLowerCase().trim();
-
-      if (this.entityType === "people") {
-        this.filteredEntities = (this.entities as Contact[])
-          .filter((contact: Contact) => {
-            const name = contact.name?.toLowerCase() || "";
-            const did = contact.did.toLowerCase();
-            return name.includes(searchLower) || did.includes(searchLower);
-          })
-          .sort((a: Contact, b: Contact) => {
-            // Sort alphabetically by name, falling back to DID if name is missing
-            const nameA = (a.name || a.did).toLowerCase();
-            const nameB = (b.name || b.did).toLowerCase();
-            return nameA.localeCompare(nameB);
-          });
+      if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+        // Server-side search for projects (initial load, no beforeId)
+        const searchLower = this.searchTerm.toLowerCase().trim();
+        await this.fetchProjects(undefined, searchLower);
       } else {
-        this.filteredEntities = (this.entities as PlanData[])
-          .filter((project: PlanData) => {
-            const name = project.name?.toLowerCase() || "";
-            const handleId = project.handleId.toLowerCase();
-            return name.includes(searchLower) || handleId.includes(searchLower);
-          })
-          .sort((a: PlanData, b: PlanData) => {
-            // Sort alphabetically by name
-            return a.name.toLowerCase().localeCompare(b.name.toLowerCase());
-          });
+        // Client-side filtering for contacts (complete list)
+        await this.performContactSearch();
       }
 
       // Reset displayed count when search completes
@@ -508,6 +539,194 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Fetch projects from API server
+   * Unified method for both loading all projects and searching projects.
+   * If claimContents is provided, performs search and updates filteredEntities.
+   * If claimContents is not provided, loads all projects and updates allProjects.
+   *
+   * @param beforeId - Optional rowId for pagination (loads projects before this ID)
+   * @param claimContents - Optional search term (if provided, performs search; if not, loads all)
+   */
+  async fetchProjects(
+    beforeId?: string,
+    claimContents?: string,
+  ): Promise<void> {
+    if (!this.apiServer) {
+      if (claimContents) {
+        this.filteredEntities = [];
+      } else {
+        this.allProjects = [];
+      }
+      if (this.notify) {
+        this.notify(
+          {
+            group: "alert",
+            type: "danger",
+            title: "Error",
+            text: "API server not configured",
+          },
+          TIMEOUTS.SHORT,
+        );
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const isSearch = !!claimContents;
+    let url = `${this.apiServer}/api/v2/report/plans`;
+
+    // Build query parameters
+    const params: string[] = [];
+    if (claimContents) {
+      params.push(
+        `claimContents=${encodeURIComponent(claimContents.toLowerCase().trim())}`,
+      );
+    }
+    if (beforeId) {
+      params.push(`beforeId=${encodeURIComponent(beforeId)}`);
+    }
+    if (params.length > 0) {
+      url += `?${params.join("&")}`;
+    }
+
+    try {
+      const response = await fetch(url, {
+        method: "GET",
+        headers: await getHeaders(this.activeDid),
+      });
+
+      if (response.status !== 200) {
+        throw new Error(
+          isSearch ? "Failed to search projects" : "Failed to load projects",
+        );
+      }
+
+      const results = await response.json();
+      if (results.data) {
+        const newProjects = results.data.map(
+          (plan: PlanData & { rowId?: string }) => ({
+            ...plan,
+            rowId: plan.rowId,
+          }),
+        );
+
+        if (isSearch) {
+          // Search mode: update filteredEntities
+          if (beforeId) {
+            // Pagination: append new projects to existing search results
+            this.filteredEntities.push(...newProjects);
+          } else {
+            // Initial search: replace array
+            this.filteredEntities = newProjects;
+          }
+
+          // Update searchBeforeId for next pagination
+          if (newProjects.length > 0) {
+            const lastProject = newProjects[newProjects.length - 1];
+            this.searchBeforeId = lastProject.rowId || undefined;
+          } else {
+            this.searchBeforeId = undefined; // No more results
+          }
+        } else {
+          // Load mode: update allProjects
+          if (beforeId) {
+            // Pagination: append new projects
+            this.allProjects.push(...newProjects);
+          } else {
+            // Initial load: replace array
+            this.allProjects = newProjects;
+          }
+
+          // Update loadBeforeId for next pagination
+          if (newProjects.length > 0) {
+            const lastProject = newProjects[newProjects.length - 1];
+            this.loadBeforeId = lastProject.rowId || undefined;
+          } else {
+            this.loadBeforeId = undefined; // No more results
+          }
+        }
+      } else {
+        // No data in response
+        if (isSearch) {
+          if (!beforeId) {
+            // Only clear on initial search, not pagination
+            this.filteredEntities = [];
+          }
+          this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
+        } else {
+          if (!beforeId) {
+            // Only clear on initial load, not pagination
+            this.allProjects = [];
+          }
+          this.loadBeforeId = undefined;
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error(
+        `Error ${isSearch ? "searching" : "loading"} projects:`,
+        error,
+      );
+      if (isSearch) {
+        if (!beforeId) {
+          // Only clear on initial search error, not pagination error
+          this.filteredEntities = [];
+        }
+        this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
+      } else {
+        if (!beforeId) {
+          // Only clear on initial load error, not pagination error
+          this.allProjects = [];
+        }
+        this.loadBeforeId = undefined;
+      }
+      if (this.notify) {
+        this.notify(
+          {
+            group: "alert",
+            type: "danger",
+            title: "Error",
+            text: isSearch
+              ? "Failed to search projects. Please try again."
+              : "Failed to load projects. Please try again.",
+          },
+          TIMEOUTS.STANDARD,
+        );
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Client-side contact search
+   * Assumes entities prop contains complete contact list from local database
+   */
+  async performContactSearch(): Promise<void> {
+    if (!this.entities) {
+      this.filteredEntities = [];
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Simulate async (for consistency with project search)
+    await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 100));
+
+    const searchLower = this.searchTerm.toLowerCase().trim();
+
+    this.filteredEntities = (this.entities as Contact[])
+      .filter((contact: Contact) => {
+        const name = contact.name?.toLowerCase() || "";
+        const did = contact.did.toLowerCase();
+        return name.includes(searchLower) || did.includes(searchLower);
+      })
+      .sort((a: Contact, b: Contact) => {
+        // Sort alphabetically by name, falling back to DID if name is missing
+        const nameA = (a.name || a.did).toLowerCase();
+        const nameB = (b.name || b.did).toLowerCase();
+        return nameA.localeCompare(nameB);
+      });
+
+    // Contacts don't need pagination (complete list)
+    this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
+  }
+
   /**
    * Clear the search
    */
@@ -516,6 +735,7 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
     this.filteredEntities = [];
     this.isSearching = false;
     this.displayedCount = INITIAL_BATCH_SIZE;
+    this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
     this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
 
     // Clear any pending timeout
@@ -535,17 +755,48 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
     }
 
     if (this.searchTerm.trim()) {
-      // Search mode: check filtered entities
-      return this.displayedCount < this.filteredEntities.length;
+      // Search mode: check if more results available
+      if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+        // Projects: can load more if:
+        // 1. We have more already-loaded results to show, OR
+        // 2. We've shown all loaded results AND there's a searchBeforeId to load more
+        const hasMoreLoaded =
+          this.displayedCount < this.filteredEntities.length;
+        const canLoadMoreFromServer =
+          this.displayedCount >= this.filteredEntities.length &&
+          !!this.searchBeforeId &&
+          !this.isLoadingSearchMore;
+        return hasMoreLoaded || canLoadMoreFromServer;
+      } else {
+        // Contacts: client-side filtering returns all results at once
+        return this.displayedCount < this.filteredEntities.length;
+      }
     }
 
+    // Non-search mode
     if (this.entityType === "projects") {
-      // Projects: check if more available
-      return this.displayedCount < this.entities.length;
+      // Projects: check internal state or prop
+      const projectsToCheck = this.entities || this.allProjects;
+      const beforeId = this.entities ? undefined : this.loadBeforeId;
+
+      // Can load more if:
+      // 1. We have more already-loaded results to show, OR
+      // 2. We've shown all loaded results AND there's a beforeId to load more (and not using entities prop)
+      const hasMoreLoaded = this.displayedCount < projectsToCheck.length;
+      const canLoadMoreFromServer =
+        !this.entities &&
+        this.displayedCount >= projectsToCheck.length &&
+        !!beforeId &&
+        !this.isLoadingProjects;
+
+      return hasMoreLoaded || canLoadMoreFromServer;
     }
 
     // People: check if more alphabetical contacts available
     // Total available = recent + all alphabetical
+    if (!this.entities) {
+      return false;
+    }
     const totalAvailable = RECENT_CONTACTS_COUNT + this.entities.length;
     return this.displayedCount < totalAvailable;
   }
@@ -553,16 +804,112 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
   /**
    * Initialize infinite scroll on mount
    */
-  mounted(): void {
+  async mounted(): Promise<void> {
+    // Load apiServer for project searches/loads
+    if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+      const settings = await this.$accountSettings();
+      this.apiServer = settings.apiServer || "";
+
+      // Load projects on mount if entities prop not provided
+      if (!this.entities && this.apiServer) {
+        this.isLoadingProjects = true;
+        try {
+          await this.fetchProjects();
+        } catch (error) {
+          logger.error("Error loading projects on mount:", error);
+        } finally {
+          this.isLoadingProjects = false;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Validate entities prop for people
+    if (this.entityType === "people" && !this.entities) {
+      logger.error(
+        "EntityGrid: entities prop is required when entityType is 'people'",
+      );
+      if (this.notify) {
+        this.notify(
+          {
+            group: "alert",
+            type: "danger",
+            title: "Error",
+            text: "Contacts data is required but not provided.",
+          },
+          TIMEOUTS.SHORT,
+        );
+      }
+    }
+
     this.$nextTick(() => {
       const container = this.$refs.scrollContainer as HTMLElement;
 
       if (container) {
         const { reset } = useInfiniteScroll(
           container,
-          () => {
-            // Load more: increment displayedCount
-            this.displayedCount += INCREMENT_SIZE;
+          async () => {
+            // Search mode: handle search pagination
+            if (this.searchTerm.trim()) {
+              if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+                // Projects: load more search results if available
+                if (
+                  this.displayedCount >= this.filteredEntities.length &&
+                  this.searchBeforeId &&
+                  !this.isLoadingSearchMore
+                ) {
+                  this.isLoadingSearchMore = true;
+                  try {
+                    const searchLower = this.searchTerm.toLowerCase().trim();
+                    await this.fetchProjects(this.searchBeforeId, searchLower);
+                    // After loading more, reset scroll state to allow further loading
+                    this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
+                  } catch (error) {
+                    logger.error("Error loading more search results:", error);
+                    // Error already handled in fetchProjects
+                  } finally {
+                    this.isLoadingSearchMore = false;
+                  }
+                } else {
+                  // Show more from already-loaded search results
+                  this.displayedCount += INCREMENT_SIZE;
+                }
+              } else {
+                // Contacts: show more from already-filtered results
+                this.displayedCount += INCREMENT_SIZE;
+              }
+            } else {
+              // Non-search mode
+              if (this.entityType === "projects") {
+                const projectsToCheck = this.entities || this.allProjects;
+                const beforeId = this.entities ? undefined : this.loadBeforeId;
+
+                // If using internal state and need to load more from server
+                if (
+                  !this.entities &&
+                  this.displayedCount >= projectsToCheck.length &&
+                  beforeId &&
+                  !this.isLoadingProjects
+                ) {
+                  this.isLoadingProjects = true;
+                  try {
+                    await this.fetchProjects(beforeId);
+                    // After loading more, reset scroll state to allow further loading
+                    this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
+                  } catch (error) {
+                    logger.error("Error loading more projects:", error);
+                    // Error already handled in fetchProjects
+                  } finally {
+                    this.isLoadingProjects = false;
+                  }
+                } else {
+                  // Normal case: increment displayedCount to show more from memory
+                  this.displayedCount += INCREMENT_SIZE;
+                }
+              } else {
+                // People: increment displayedCount to show more from memory
+                this.displayedCount += INCREMENT_SIZE;
+              }
+            }
           },
           {
             distance: 50, // pixels from bottom
@@ -588,21 +935,35 @@ export default class EntityGrid extends Vue {
   }
 
   /**
-   * Watch for changes in search term to reset displayed count
+   * Watch for changes in search term to reset displayed count and pagination
    */
   @Watch("searchTerm")
   onSearchTermChange(): void {
+    // Reset displayed count and pagination when search term changes
     this.displayedCount = INITIAL_BATCH_SIZE;
+    this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
     this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
   }
 
   /**
-   * Watch for changes in entities prop to reset displayed count
+   * Watch for changes in entities prop to clear search and reset displayed count
    */
   @Watch("entities")
   onEntitiesChange(): void {
+    // Clear search when entities change (fresh dialog open)
+    if (this.searchTerm) {
+      this.searchTerm = "";
+      this.filteredEntities = [];
+      this.searchBeforeId = undefined;
+    }
     this.displayedCount = INITIAL_BATCH_SIZE;
     this.infiniteScrollReset?.();
+
+    // For projects: if entities prop is provided, clear internal state
+    if (this.entityType === "projects" && this.entities) {
+      this.allProjects = [];
+      this.loadBeforeId = undefined;
+    }
   }
 
   /**
diff --git a/src/components/EntitySelectionStep.vue b/src/components/EntitySelectionStep.vue
index fd62ccdd..3fba2141 100644
--- a/src/components/EntitySelectionStep.vue
+++ b/src/components/EntitySelectionStep.vue
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ properties * * @author Matthew Raymer */
 
     <EntityGrid
       :entity-type="shouldShowProjects ? 'projects' : 'people'"
-      :entities="shouldShowProjects ? projects : allContacts"
+      :entities="shouldShowProjects ? projects || undefined : allContacts"
       :active-did="activeDid"
       :all-my-dids="allMyDids"
       :all-contacts="allContacts"
@@ -94,9 +94,9 @@ export default class EntitySelectionStep extends Vue {
   @Prop({ default: false })
   isFromProjectView!: boolean;
 
-  /** Array of available projects */
-  @Prop({ required: true })
-  projects!: PlanData[];
+  /** Array of available projects (optional - EntityGrid loads internally if not provided) */
+  @Prop({ required: false })
+  projects?: PlanData[];
 
   /** Array of available contacts */
   @Prop({ required: true })
diff --git a/src/components/GiftedDialog.vue b/src/components/GiftedDialog.vue
index e08e0021..d5412ef6 100644
--- a/src/components/GiftedDialog.vue
+++ b/src/components/GiftedDialog.vue
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
           giverEntityType === 'project' || recipientEntityType === 'project'
         "
         :is-from-project-view="isFromProjectView"
-        :projects="projects"
         :all-contacts="allContacts"
         :active-did="activeDid"
         :all-my-dids="allMyDids"
@@ -68,7 +67,6 @@ import {
   createAndSubmitGive,
   didInfo,
   serverMessageForUser,
-  getHeaders,
 } from "../libs/endorserServer";
 import * as libsUtil from "../libs/util";
 import { Contact } from "../db/tables/contacts";
@@ -134,7 +132,6 @@ export default class GiftedDialog extends Vue {
   firstStep = true; // true = Step 1 (giver/recipient selection), false = Step 2 (amount/description)
   giver?: libsUtil.GiverReceiverInputInfo; // undefined means no identified giver agent
   offerId = "";
-  projects: PlanData[] = [];
   prompt = "";
   receiver?: libsUtil.GiverReceiverInputInfo;
   stepType = "giver";
@@ -234,16 +231,6 @@ export default class GiftedDialog extends Vue {
       this.allContacts = await this.$contactsByDateAdded();
 
       this.allMyDids = await retrieveAccountDids();
-
-      if (
-        this.giverEntityType === "project" ||
-        this.recipientEntityType === "project"
-      ) {
-        await this.loadProjects();
-      } else {
-        // Clear projects array when not needed
-        this.projects = [];
-      }
     } catch (err: unknown) {
       logger.error("Error retrieving settings from database:", err);
       this.safeNotify.error(
@@ -489,27 +476,6 @@ export default class GiftedDialog extends Vue {
     this.firstStep = false;
   }
 
-  async loadProjects() {
-    try {
-      const response = await fetch(this.apiServer + "/api/v2/report/plans", {
-        method: "GET",
-        headers: await getHeaders(this.activeDid),
-      });
-
-      if (response.status !== 200) {
-        throw new Error("Failed to load projects");
-      }
-
-      const results = await response.json();
-      if (results.data) {
-        this.projects = results.data;
-      }
-    } catch (error) {
-      logger.error("Error loading projects:", error);
-      this.safeNotify.error("Failed to load projects", TIMEOUTS.STANDARD);
-    }
-  }
-
   selectProject(project: PlanData) {
     this.giver = {
       did: project.handleId,
diff --git a/src/components/MeetingProjectDialog.vue b/src/components/MeetingProjectDialog.vue
index 5cf0d784..4262334c 100644
--- a/src/components/MeetingProjectDialog.vue
+++ b/src/components/MeetingProjectDialog.vue
@@ -7,7 +7,6 @@
       <!-- EntityGrid for projects -->
       <EntityGrid
         :entity-type="'projects'"
-        :entities="allProjects"
         :active-did="activeDid"
         :all-my-dids="allMyDids"
         :all-contacts="allContacts"
@@ -57,10 +56,6 @@ export default class MeetingProjectDialog extends Vue {
   /** Whether the dialog is visible */
   visible = false;
 
-  /** Array of available projects */
-  @Prop({ required: true })
-  allProjects!: PlanData[];
-
   /** Active user's DID */
   @Prop({ required: true })
   activeDid!: string;
@@ -102,6 +97,7 @@ export default class MeetingProjectDialog extends Vue {
    */
   open(): void {
     this.visible = true;
+    this.emitOpen();
   }
 
   /**
@@ -109,6 +105,7 @@ export default class MeetingProjectDialog extends Vue {
    */
   close(): void {
     this.visible = false;
+    this.emitClose();
   }
 
   // Emit methods using @Emit decorator
@@ -117,6 +114,16 @@ export default class MeetingProjectDialog extends Vue {
   emitAssign(project: PlanData): PlanData {
     return project;
   }
+
+  @Emit("open")
+  emitOpen(): void {
+    // Emit when dialog opens
+  }
+
+  @Emit("close")
+  emitClose(): void {
+    // Emit when dialog closes
+  }
 }
 </script>
 
diff --git a/src/views/OnboardMeetingSetupView.vue b/src/views/OnboardMeetingSetupView.vue
index a37c0aa4..a3378330 100644
--- a/src/views/OnboardMeetingSetupView.vue
+++ b/src/views/OnboardMeetingSetupView.vue
@@ -269,12 +269,13 @@
 
     <MeetingProjectDialog
       ref="meetingProjectDialog"
-      :all-projects="allProjects"
       :active-did="activeDid"
       :all-my-dids="allMyDids"
       :all-contacts="allContacts"
       :notify="$notify"
       @assign="handleProjectLinkAssigned"
+      @open="handleDialogOpen"
+      @close="handleDialogClose"
     />
 
     <!-- Members Section -->
@@ -307,6 +308,7 @@
       </ul>
 
       <MembersList
+        ref="membersList"
         :password="currentMeeting.password || ''"
         :show-organizer-tools="true"
         class="mt-4"
@@ -414,9 +416,9 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
   isRegistered = false;
   showDeleteConfirm = false;
   fullName = "";
-  allProjects: PlanData[] = [];
   allContacts: Contact[] = [];
   allMyDids: string[] = [];
+  selectedProjectData: PlanData | null = null;
   get minDateTime() {
     const now = new Date();
     now.setMinutes(now.getMinutes() + 5); // Set minimum 5 minutes in the future
@@ -439,10 +441,11 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
     // eslint-disable-next-line @typescript-eslint/no-explicit-any
     this.allMyDids = await (this as any).$getAllAccountDids();
 
-    // Load projects
-    await this.loadProjects();
-
     await this.fetchCurrentMeeting();
+
+    // Ensure selected project is loaded if projectLink exists
+    await this.ensureSelectedProjectLoaded();
+
     this.isLoading = false;
   }
 
@@ -514,6 +517,54 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Ensure the selected project is loaded if projectLink exists
+   */
+  async ensureSelectedProjectLoaded(): Promise<void> {
+    const projectLink =
+      this.currentMeeting?.projectLink ||
+      this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs?.projectLink;
+
+    if (!projectLink) {
+      this.selectedProjectData = null;
+      return;
+    }
+
+    await this.fetchProjectByHandleId(projectLink);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Fetch a single project by handleId
+   * @param handleId - The project handleId to fetch
+   */
+  async fetchProjectByHandleId(handleId: string): Promise<void> {
+    try {
+      const headers = await getHeaders(this.activeDid);
+      const url = `${this.apiServer}/api/v2/report/plans?handleId=${encodeURIComponent(handleId)}`;
+      const resp = await this.axios.get(url, { headers });
+
+      if (resp.status === 200 && resp.data.data && resp.data.data.length > 0) {
+        const project = resp.data.data[0];
+        this.selectedProjectData = {
+          name: project.name,
+          description: project.description,
+          image: project.image,
+          handleId: project.handleId,
+          issuerDid: project.issuerDid,
+          rowId: project.rowId,
+        };
+      } else {
+        this.selectedProjectData = null;
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      this.$logAndConsole(
+        "Error fetching project by handleId: " + errorStringForLog(error),
+        true,
+      );
+      this.selectedProjectData = null;
+    }
+  }
+
   async createMeeting() {
     this.isLoading = true;
 
@@ -648,7 +699,7 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
     }
   }
 
-  startEditing() {
+  async startEditing() {
     // Populate form with existing meeting data
     if (this.currentMeeting) {
       const localExpiresAt = new Date(this.currentMeeting.expiresAt);
@@ -659,6 +710,10 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
         password: this.currentMeeting.password || "",
         projectLink: this.currentMeeting.projectLink || "",
       };
+      // Ensure selected project is loaded if projectLink exists
+      if (this.currentMeeting.projectLink) {
+        await this.ensureSelectedProjectLoaded();
+      }
     } else {
       this.$logError(
         "There is no current meeting to edit. We should never get here.",
@@ -666,9 +721,15 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
     }
   }
 
-  cancelEditing() {
+  async cancelEditing() {
     // Reset form data
     this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs = null;
+    // Restore selected project from currentMeeting if it exists
+    if (this.currentMeeting?.projectLink) {
+      await this.ensureSelectedProjectLoaded();
+    } else {
+      this.selectedProjectData = null;
+    }
   }
 
   async updateMeeting() {
@@ -783,55 +844,12 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
     }
   }
 
-  /**
-   * Load projects from the API
-   */
-  async loadProjects() {
-    try {
-      const headers = await getHeaders(this.activeDid);
-      const url = `${this.apiServer}/api/v2/report/plans`;
-      const resp = await this.axios.get(url, { headers });
-
-      if (resp.status === 200 && resp.data.data) {
-        this.allProjects = resp.data.data.map(
-          (plan: {
-            name: string;
-            description: string;
-            image?: string;
-            handleId: string;
-            issuerDid: string;
-          }) => ({
-            name: plan.name,
-            description: plan.description,
-            image: plan.image,
-            handleId: plan.handleId,
-            issuerDid: plan.issuerDid,
-          }),
-        );
-      }
-    } catch (error) {
-      this.$logAndConsole(
-        "Error loading projects: " + errorStringForLog(error),
-        true,
-      );
-      // Don't show error to user - just leave projects empty
-      this.allProjects = [];
-    }
-  }
-
   /**
    * Computed property for selected project
-   * Derives the project from projectLink by finding it in allProjects
+   * Returns the separately stored selected project data
    */
   get selectedProject(): PlanData | null {
-    if (!this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs?.projectLink) {
-      return null;
-    }
-    return (
-      this.allProjects.find(
-        (p) => p.handleId === this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs?.projectLink,
-      ) || null
-    );
+    return this.selectedProjectData;
   }
 
   /**
@@ -861,6 +879,9 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
    * Handle project assignment from dialog
    */
   handleProjectLinkAssigned(project: PlanData): void {
+    // Store the selected project directly
+    this.selectedProjectData = project;
+
     if (this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs) {
       this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs.projectLink = project.handleId;
     }
@@ -870,9 +891,30 @@ export default class OnboardMeetingView extends Vue {
    * Unset the project link and revert to initial state
    */
   unsetProjectLink(): void {
+    this.selectedProjectData = null;
     if (this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs) {
       this.newOrUpdatedMeetingInputs.projectLink = "";
     }
   }
+
+  /**
+   * Handle dialog open event - stop auto-refresh in MembersList
+   */
+  handleDialogOpen(): void {
+    const membersList = this.$refs.membersList as MembersList;
+    if (membersList) {
+      membersList.stopAutoRefresh();
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Handle dialog close event - start auto-refresh in MembersList
+   */
+  handleDialogClose(): void {
+    const membersList = this.$refs.membersList as MembersList;
+    if (membersList) {
+      membersList.startAutoRefresh();
+    }
+  }
 }
 </script>