Project Charter Template

Project Charter
Add Project Name Here

Author: Version Number:

Status: Version Date:

The information contained in this document is confidential. Unauthorized distribution or use of this document or the information contained herein is
strictly prohibited.
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

Table of Contents

Project Purpose Statement / Rationale............................................................................................................. 3

Strategic Alignment with and Impact on Company Priorities.............................................................................4
Project Goals, Objectives & Performance Measures........................................................................................4
High Level Schedule......................................................................................................................................... 6
Core Team Members........................................................................................................................................ 6
Project Communications................................................................................................................................... 6
Assumptions & Constraints............................................................................................................................... 7
Project Risks..................................................................................................................................................... 8
High Level Cost Estimates (if required)............................................................................................................. 8
Acceptance & Sign-Off..................................................................................................................................... 9

Project Name Project Acronym or No.

           

Page 2 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

Project Sponsor Target Project Completion Date

      yyyy/mm/dd
Project Manager Version No. Version Date
      0.0 yyyy/mm/dd

About the Project Charter

This document provides a framework and prompting questions that will help you to construct a Project Charter for
your initiative. If a Business Case has been developed for this project, use it as a starting point to complete the
charter. The completion of this charter marks the end of Definition Phase. It will help you create the ‘big picture’ of
what needs to be done, but not how the project will be done. The details of what to do and how to do it will be worked
out in the Planning Phase and documented in the Project Plan.

The Project Charter is the document that forms a common agreement on all main aspects of the project (i.e. scope,
goals, objectives, etc.) among those involved, including project manager, team members, sponsor, stakeholders &
partners. Once approved, the charter is signed forming the basis for future project decisions and cannot be modified.

The Project Charter sets a clear direction for the project and outlines expectations of sponsor or steering committee.
It communicates existence of the project and specifies assumptions made & constraints that project must live within.

You may wish to delete this box before completing your document.

Project Purpose Statement / Rationale

Explain the purpose of this project by describing, at a high level, the background necessary to understand why the
project was started and what will be done. What is the need, opportunity or problem that the project is aiming to
address? Reference any Environment Scan Analysis, Best Practice Research or Community Engagement Summary
that supports this project.

Page 3 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

Strategic Alignment with and Impact on Company Priorities

Provide an indication of the project’s strategic importance by describing the linkages to the company strategic
directions, any emerging company priorities or other organizational strategies. Any association with other strategic
projects or initiatives can also be referenced.

Project Goals, Objectives & Performance Measures

Provide the details of what this project aims to achieve by listing its specific goals, objectives and deliverables. List the
goals in terms of high-level outcomes to be achieved. Identify specific objectives and deliverables for each goal listed.
Objectives are clear statements of specific activities/tasks that must be performed to achieve the goals. Ensure goals
and objectives are Specific Measurable Achievable Results-focused and Time-bound (SMART). Performance measures
are used to determine if objectives have been completed.

Goals Objectives/Deliverables Performance Measures

List all the goals to be achieved
by the project. Ensure
alignment with project purpose.
For each goal, list specific objectives For each objective/deliverable, list the
and/or deliverables that will signify measures that will be used to evaluate
achievement of goal when finished. success of results achieved.
             
             
             

             
             
             

Page 4 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

Project Goals, Objectives & Performance Measures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scope
Scope describes project boundaries by defining what the project will and will not deliver. Deliverables are tangible,
verifiable outcomes that signify completion of objectives. Indicate specific features, functions, timelines, costs, quality
needs, or other “must have” requirements that restrict the project.
“IN” Scope “OUT” of Scope
Describe specific items and/or steps that WILL be included Describe specific items that WILL NOT be included as part
as part of the work performed by this project. of the work performed by this project.
             

Page 5 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

High Level Schedule

Identify when the project will take place. Indicate the major milestones or deliverables in the project. Provide a
preliminary estimate for the duration on the project by indicating expected start and finish dates. Insert a mark “X” in
the weeks when you expect the task will run.
Major Milestones or Expected Duration
Deliverables (Insert actual dates for start of weeks e.g. 3/11)
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 W11 W12
Project Kick Off
Milestone or Deliverable 1
Milestone or Deliverable 2
Milestone or Deliverable 3
Milestone or Deliverable 4
Milestone or Deliverable 5
Project Close-Out
Total Project Duration
(estimate)

Core Team Members

Identify who is needed on the project team to complete the project deliverables and achieve goals and objectives. List
names of the project sponsor, project manager and core project team members (or titles only if actual individuals have
not yet been appointed). Describe key roles and responsibilities of each team member. State the estimated amount of
time each team member will spend on the project (duration) and indicate their level of involvement (effort).Provide the
expected Governance Structure including the composition of the Steering committee if the project will have such a
body, and any other related governing bodies associated with the project. You may include a Governance Structure
Organization Chart in this section, or attach as an appendix to the completed Project Charter.
Team Position Role On Project Effort Est. Duration
(provide names) (Types of work they will do) (Days) (Weeks)
Project Sponsor -
Project Manager -
Core Team Member -
Core Team Member -
Core Team Member -
(Other) -

Project Communications
Identify communication and information needs of steering committee, project sponsor, project manager, team
members, working groups, partners, stakeholders and others. List strategies for ensuring that right information is
provided to right audience in most suitable and timely manner. Be sure to identify format and frequency of
communication between the project manager and project sponsor regarding project status, performance, risks,
issues, etc.
Audience / Stakeholders Information Needs Format & Timing Responsible
To whom? List recipients What? State what How? When? How often? Who? Identify who will
of the information. information will be Explain method and provide information.

Page 6 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

communicated? frequency.
                       
                       
                       
                       

Assumptions & Constraints

Assumptions are external factors that, at the time of writing the charter, are considered true, real or certain for
purposes of planning. Certain unverified or unknown aspects that are likely to happen must be assumed as facts to
proceed. Constraints are factors that are outside the control of the project team, that restrict or regulate the project.
They limit available options and affect performance of the project. Define key factors that are critical to the success of
the project. These conditions must be satisfied to enable successful completion of the project objectives and
deliverables. Include significant events or decisions that need to take place.

Assumptions Constraints
List the assumptions made to date. What did you have List project constraints. Consider time, budget, scope,
to assume to be true to complete the charter? quality, availability/skills of resources, priorities, etc.
             

 

 

 

Page 7 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

Assumptions Constraints
 

Project Risks
Consider what if… Document high-level project risks apparent at this point that could either positively or negatively
impact the achievement of project goals and objectives. Indicate initial likelihood and impact. Focus on risks that are
likely to happen and have significant affect on project success. Be sure to consider risks associated with people &
organization change, knowledge management and transition to operations.
Risk Likelihood Impact Risk Response
List high-level risk events that pose Indicate Low/ Indicate Low/ Explain what will be done to avoid,
threats or opportunities to the project. Moderate/High Moderate/High transfer, mitigate or accept risks listed.

High Level Cost Estimates (if required)

Category Total
(Itemize as necessary) (For the entire project)
Salaries and Wages
Benefits
Other Direct Operating Expenses
Materials/Equipment

Page 8 of 9
 Version No: 0.0

Project Charter Version Date: yyyy/mm/dd

High Level Cost Estimates (if required)

Office Space/Facilities
Training/Development
Consultants
Other:
Total
Funding Source (Operational, Capital, External
Funding)

Acceptance & Sign-Off

Identify the decision making body that will approve/reject this project.
Prepared By:
Name Name Date

Name & Title Signature Date

Approved By:
Name Name Date

Name & Title Signature Date

Approved By:
Name Name Date

Name & Title Signature Date

Page 9 of 9