Project Charter Templates Pack – Excel, PowerPoint & Word

What to Include in Your Project Charter?

A good project charter should address the following key elements:

• Project Overview: Briefly describe the project, its purpose, and the problem it aims to solve.
• Project Objectives: Clearly define the project’s goals and desired outcomes. What do you hope to achieve? How will success be measured?
• Project Scope: Outline the boundaries of the project. What deliverables are included? What are the limitations?
• Roles & Responsibilities: Identify key stakeholders and their roles in the project. Who is responsible for what?
• Timeline & Budget: Establish a tentative timeline with major milestones and a high-level budget estimate.
• Assumptions & Risks: List any assumptions made about the project and potential risks that could impact delivery.
• Approval Section: Include a space for relevant parties to sign off on the charter, signifying their agreement.

How to Fill Out a Project Charter?

A project charter lays the foundation for your project by outlining its goals, scope, and key players. Here’s a breakdown on how to fill one out:

Step 1: Start with the Basics:

• Project Name & Description: Give your project a clear and concise title. Briefly describe what the project aims to achieve.
• Project Sponsor & Team: Identify the person authorizing and championing the project (sponsor) and the project manager who will lead the execution.
• Stakeholders: List everyone with an interest in the project’s outcome, including decision-makers, impacted teams, and end-users.

Step 2: Define Goals and Objectives:

• Project Purpose: Explain the rationale behind the project. Why is it important to undertake this project? How does it align with organizational goals?
• Project Objectives: Set clear, achievable goals using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).

Step 3: Outline the Scope & Deliverables:

• Project Scope: Define the boundaries of your project. What’s included and what’s not? Be clear to avoid scope creep.
• Deliverables: List the tangible outputs expected from the project. Make sure they address the project objectives.

Step 4: Consider the Timeline & Resources:

• Timeline: Provide a high-level overview of the project timeframe, including key milestones and deadlines.
• Budget: Estimate the overall cost of the project, including personnel, materials, and any required tools.

Step 5: Identify Risks and Assumptions:

• Risks: List potential challenges that could derail the project. Briefly outline mitigation plans.
• Assumptions: Specify underlying beliefs about the project environment that may impact the project’s success.

Step 6: Approval Process:

• Define the approval workflow for the final project charter. This typically involves sign-off from the project sponsor and key stakeholders.

Tips:

• Keep it concise and focused on key information.
• Use clear and easy-to-understand language.
• Involve relevant stakeholders in the process.
• Get the project sponsor’s approval before finalizing the charter.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive project charter that sets your project up for success.  Our  project management templates (project charter templates) simplifies this process.

Why Use Project Charter Templates?

• Streamlined Project Initiation: Project Charter Templates simplify the process of starting a new project by providing a structured format for documenting essential information. This structure ensures that all critical elements of the project are considered, such as objectives, scope, and stakeholders.
• Consistency and Clarity: Using a template ensures that every project follows a consistent format, making it easier for team members and stakeholders to understand the project’s goals and deliverables quickly. This consistency is crucial for organizations managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Efficient Communication: A well-structured Project Charter serves as a key communication tool within the organization and with external parties. It succinctly outlines the project’s parameters, reducing misunderstandings and providing a clear reference point throughout the project lifecycle.
• Compliance and Documentation: Many industries have regulatory requirements or internal guidelines that projects need to comply with. A Project Charter helps ensure that all necessary information is documented from the start, aiding in compliance and audit processes.
• Save Time: No need to reinvent the wheel. Templates provide a structured framework to get you started quickly.

Who Uses Project Charter Templates?

• Project Managers: Project managers use these templates as a foundational tool for defining the approach and oversight of a project. It helps them to manage expectations and align the interests of various stakeholders.
• Business Executives: Executives utilize project charters to evaluate the strategic alignment of a project with the organization’s goals, making decisions about resource allocation and prioritization.
• Project Teams: Team members refer to the project charter for guidance on project objectives and their roles and responsibilities within the project. This clarity supports effective teamwork and accountability.
• Stakeholders: External stakeholders, such as clients, partners, and suppliers, often review the project charter to understand their involvement and how the project will impact them.