Project Charter Template (Free Example & Expert How-to Guide)
Use this professional project charter to define scope, objectives, stakeholders, deliverables, milestones, success criteria, and authority — so your project starts with strategic clarity and stakeholder alignment.
Template Kit Includes Top 10 Core Templates
What Is a Project Charter?
A project charter formally authorizes a project and grants the Project Manager authority to lead it. It aligns stakeholders, confirms objectives, defines scope, clarifies governance, and establishes success criteria before planning begins.
- Establishes shared clarity from day one
- Prevents misalignment and scope confusion
- Sets sponsor expectations and accountability
- Reduces rework and delays later in delivery
When to Use a Project Charter
| Phase | Charter Purpose |
|---|---|
| Initiation | Confirm justification and alignment |
| Planning | Align stakeholders on method + scope |
| Execution | Prevent scope creep |
| Closing | Validate outcomes + success criteria |
How to Complete the Project Charter (Step-by-Step)
- Define Purpose & Business Justification
- Clarify Scope (In-Scope vs Out-of-Scope)
- Document Key Deliverables
- Identify Stakeholders & Governance
- Establish Milestones & Timeline
- Confirm Budget Summary
- Define Success Criteria (KPIs)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ambiguous scope — Always define what is *not* included.
- No measurable KPIs — Add quantifiable success metrics.
- Unclear governance — Document decision and escalation paths.
- Missing assumptions & risks — Capture early to prevent surprises.
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Template Download Options
Template Kit Includes Top 10 Core Templates