A project charter is a short document that formally authorizes a project and gives the project manager authority to use resources. It states why the project exists, what it will deliver, who is involved and what limits apply. Project managers draft it at the very start, and the sponsor signs it so everyone agrees on the goal before planning and spending begin.
This collection holds 36 project charter templates, editable and free to download. Each gives you a clear project charter format for business, IT or community projects, and a project charter example shows how much detail belongs in each section. The charter is sometimes called a project definition document.
Keep the charter to one or two pages. It is a summary people should read in minutes, and the detailed schedule and budget belong in the project plan that follows.
A project charter usually follows the proposal and comes before detailed planning. See our project proposal templates, scope of work templates and communication plan templates to keep stakeholders informed.
Special Project Charter Templates
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Important components of an effective Project Charter
To make a project charter effective, it must include following important components in it:
Introduction:
Begin your project charter document with an introduction to the project. This gives the reader a brief idea of what the whole project is about. Keep the introduction simple and concise.
Purpose and Objectives:
Here, state the main purpose of carrying out the project and the objectives that you want to achieve.
Scope of the Project:
State the scope of your project properly so that potential stakeholders can see how you will achieve your objectives. In this section, you can also divide your objectives into a number of manageable tasks.
Potential Stakeholders:
Clearly name the potential stakeholders of the project. They can be internal or external. Most commonly, internal stakeholders are managers, directors and supervisors, while external stakeholders are investors or sponsors. Also state the responsibilities of these stakeholders.
Budget:
Mention the estimated budget of your project so that the potential stakeholders know how much the project will cost.
Potential Risks or Threats:
In this section, state the potential risks or threats associated with the project. Mention the methods that can be used to control them. Help readers understand that these risks can be minimized but not completely removed.
Limitations:
Based on your experience, analyze the current situation for any limitations and state them clearly in this section. If you face a limitation later, communicate it properly to your potential stakeholders.
Assumptions:
Let readers know the assumptions you use or will use while carrying out your project. These assumptions must be in line with industry norms.
Communication:
State how you will communicate throughout the project. Effective communication requires a proper communication plan, which can also become part of your project charter.
Approval of the Project Charter:
As project manager, you are responsible for getting your project charter approved by at least one sponsor so that the project can officially begin.
Free Project Charter Templates
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Advantages of using a Project Charter
Using a project charter for a particular project can have the following benefits:
- A project charter provides key information that is required to initiate a certain project.
- The approved project charter authorizes a project manager to complete the project.
- A project charter is an effective tool that communicates the direction of a project to the potential stakeholders.
- It defines the main purpose and explains the importance of a project.
- A project charter successfully associates the outcome of the project with the goals of the business.
- Through a project charter, a clear and simple reporting system is provided to the project teams.
- A project charter indicates that the needs and requirements of the sponsors or investors are properly taken into account.
Project Charter Formats
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Using a Project Charter to Establish Direction
Choose a charter that explains why the project exists and who can authorize key decisions. Detailed scheduling belongs in later planning documents. Once the charter is approved, WordNExcelTemplates’ project plan template can help develop the delivery tasks and timetable under that authority.
- State the business need, objectives and success criteria.
- Define high-level scope, constraints and major assumptions.
- Identify the sponsor, project authority and approval process.
Worked Example
Example: a project to improve appointment booking might target fewer abandoned requests and clearer availability. The charter should distinguish that outcome from an assumed solution such as replacing all software before options have been assessed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid treating initial estimates as fully approved commitments unless they are. Record what still needs validation.
Related Templates
- Project Proposal Templates
- Productivity Templates & Planners
- Construction Proposal Templates
- Hourly Schedule Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a charter different from a project plan?
The charter establishes purpose and authority at a high level. The plan develops delivery detail, schedule, resources and controls.
Who approves the charter?
Use the organization’s governance process. The sponsor or authorized body should confirm the purpose, authority and commitments being established.
