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Project charter template

About the Project charter template

A project charter template is a document that outlines the scope, objectives, and stakeholders of a project. It helps to establish a clear direction for the project and ensure that all team members are aligned. The template includes sections for project background, objectives, scope, stakeholders, timeline, and budget.

Set a solid foundation with a project charter template

A project charter template serves as a blueprint for the entire project and provides a clear roadmap for everyone involved. It’s an important tool for ensuring that everyone understands the project’s purpose, scope, and expected outcomes.

The project charter template allows you to clearly define the project’s goals, objectives, and scope, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. You’ll also include a timeline that outlines the project’s key milestones and deadlines. Additionally, you’ll identify potential risks or challenges that may arise during the project and provide a plan for addressing them.

By using a comprehensive project charter template, you can ensure that your project has a strong foundation and that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. It can also help to prevent scope creep and keep the project on track.

Key elements of the project charter template

Each section in the template contributes to smoother project execution:

General project information: This introductory section lays out the project’s basic details, such as its name, contractor, executor, and expected impact. It’s the snapshot that immediately grounds everyone in the project’s scope and relevance.
Project team and stakeholders: Here, you’ll list the project manager and team members, as well as stakeholders. This section ensures everyone knows who’s involved and how to reach them, streamlining communication.
Project scope statement: This multi-part section lies at the heart of your project charter. It includes purpose and objectives, deliverables, and the scope definition to manage expectations.
Project milestones and risks: Key milestones provide a timeline for major phases, keeping everyone aligned on progress points, while listing down risks helps the team anticipate challenges.
Related documents: Reference any foundational documents, like RFQs or proposals, that clarify the project’s background and requirements. The team can then revisit key agreements or assumptions if questions arise.
Project authorization: The final section includes signatures from key members, officially approving the charter. This is your formal green light, confirming project readiness and commitment from leadership.

Download Lumiform’s project charter template today

Make managing projects easier with this template. Capture essential project details, track milestones, and clarify each team member’s role—all in one interactive document. With clear sections for risks, deliverables, and timelines, you can keep teams in sync and set your project up for success from the start.

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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

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a project plan and a project charter?

A project charter is the high-level, initiating document that outlines the project’s purpose and objectives. The project plan, on the other hand, provides specific steps, schedules, and resources needed to achieve the goals laid out in the charter. The charter defines “what” and “why,” while the project plan focuses on “how” and “when.”

Who is typically responsible for approving the project charter?

The project charter is typically approved by a project sponsor or an executive with authority over the project, as this individual provides the formal go-ahead and resources needed to start. In some cases, multiple stakeholders or department heads may also be involved to confirm alignment across teams.

How detailed should the project timeline be in a charter?

The project timeline in a charter should be high-level, covering key milestones and phases rather than a detailed day-to-day schedule. Focus on major project phases like initiation, planning, execution, and delivery, including expected start and end dates. This helps stakeholders understand the project’s overall flow and major deadlines, since the specifics will be addressed in the project plan.

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.