Project Charter Template – Free PDF

Templates

Project charter template

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Assign and track corrective actions
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Assign and track corrective actions
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

This project charter template helps with formally authorizing new projects, providing project managers with the authority to utilize organizational resources. It serves as the foundation for successful project execution by documenting scope, objectives, team roles, and deliverables.

Research from the Project Management Institute shows that strategic initiatives most commonly fail because of lack of clearly defined and achievable milestones and objectives to measure progress. With dedicated sections for project constraints, risk assessment, and milestone planning, this template ensures your projects have the structure needed for success.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Project Charter Template

1. General Project Information

Project Name

Project Contractor

Project Executor

Impact of Project

2. Project Team

Project Manager

Name

Department

Telephone

E-mail

Team Member 1

Name

Department

Telephone

E-mail

Team Member 2

Name

Department

Telephone

E-mail

3. Stakeholders

e.g. those with a significant interest in or who will be significantly affected by this project

4. Project Scope Statement

4.1 Project Purpose / Business Justification

Describe the business need, opportunity or problem this project addresses

4.2. Project Objectives

Describe the measurable outcomes of the project, e.g., reduce cost by xxxx or increase quality to yyyy (in business terms)

4.3. Project Deliverables

Provide a high-level list of “what” needs to be done in order to reach the goals of the project. Each deliverable should be sufficiently detailed so that the project team will understand what needs to be accomplished. Describe the deliverable using action words (verbs) such as “deliver, provide, create, research, etc. Deliverables should be measurable, so the project sponsor and team can determine whether the deliverable has been successfully completed at the project’s conclusion.

4.4. Project Scope Definition

Document the scope of work to be delivered. To assist you in defining scope, use documentation such as sales proposals, business requirements, functional specifications, etc. to set and limit the scope. In Scope is what the project will include meeting the requirements of the project goals. Out of Scope excludes responsibilities, activities, deliverables, or other areas that are not part of the Project.

In Scope

Out of Scope

4.5 Project Milestones

Propose start and end dates for Project Phases (e.g., Inception, Planning, Construction, Delivery) and other major milestones

4.6. Major Known Risks (including significant Assumptions)

Identify obstacles that may cause the project to fail. Grade the risk with words like high-, medium- and low-risk.

4.7. Project Constraints

List any conditions that may limit the project team’s options with respect to resources, personnel, or schedule (e.g., predetermined budget or project end date, limit on number of staff that may be assigned to the project).

4.8. External Dependencies

Will project success depend on coordination of efforts between the project team and one or more other individuals or groups? Has everyone involved agreed to this interaction?

5. Related Documents

Reference any related documents that were used to define scope and assumptions – e.g., RFQ, RFP, Sales Proposal, etc.

6. Project Authorization

Full name and signature of Project Manager

Full name and signature of Business Manager

This template was downloaded 301 times

Frequently asked questions

How do I determine what belongs in the “in scope” versus “out of scope”?

Include in the “in scope” section all work necessary to achieve project objectives and create deliverables. For “out of scope,” identify related work that stakeholders might assume is included but isn’t. Be explicit about boundaries to prevent scope creep. Reference existing documentation like business requirements or functional specifications to help define these boundaries.

Who needs to sign off on the project charter for it to be valid?

At minimum, the project charter requires signatures from the project manager (who will execute the project) and the business manager or project sponsor (who authorizes the work and resources). For larger projects, you might also need signatures from key stakeholders or department heads whose resources will be utilized. These signatures represent formal commitment to the project.

How do I establish realistic milestones in my project charter?

First, identify the major phases of your project (initiation, planning, execution, closure) and determine key deliverables within each phase. Set milestone dates based on your understanding of the work involved, available resources, and any fixed deadlines. Consult with team members who will do the work to validate these dates are achievable before finalizing them in your charter.

When should I update my project charter after the project has started?

Update your project charter whenever there’s a significant change to project scope, objectives, timeline, or resource requirements. Treat it as a dynmic document that reflects the current agreement between stakeholders. Any change should go through proper approval channels, with all signatories acknowledging the updated charter to maintain its authority as the guiding project document.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.