A project charter is a foundational document that outlines a project’s scope, objectives, and participants, serving as a blueprint for success. By setting clear priorities and securing stakeholder buy-in, it prevents confusion and derailment.

Introduction

What It Is and Why It Matters

A project charter is a crucial document that establishes a project’s scope, objectives, and participants. It is not just a formality but the blueprint for a project’s success. By defining what needs to be done, when, and by whom, it prevents confusion and secures stakeholder buy-in from the outset. As noted in the Project Management Body of Knowledge, creating a charter at a project’s inception is an industry best practice.

Without a clear charter, projects risk losing direction. It sets priorities, identifies key stakeholders, and addresses potential risks, serving as a reference point for any questions or changes. Investing time in a solid charter can significantly reduce the likelihood of project derailment.

What is a Project Charter?

Understanding the Document

Think of the project charter as the backbone of your initiative. It succinctly explains why the project exists, who is involved, what needs to be done, and how it will be accomplished. According to the PMBOK® Guide, an official charter grants you the authority to act as the project manager.

Why It Matters

When a new project begins, stakeholders need clarity on timelines, budgets, and deliverables. A well-crafted charter prevents scope creep and miscommunication by establishing:

• Clear objectives and outcomes
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Assigned financial and human resources

Rita Mulcahy emphasizes, “Do not underestimate the value of the project charter. It is such an important document that a project should not be started without one.” It provides a blueprint that reduces chaos and boosts team confidence.

Main Components at a Glance

Project Charter vs. Project Plan: What’s the Difference?

Why the Project Charter Matters

A project charter authorizes and sets the project’s course, aligning it with organizational goals. Without it, projects can lack formal approval or a solid rationale. As Rudi De Koker, PMP notes, it defines project objectives, stakeholders, and scope, providing a framework for the team and stakeholders.

Depth of the Project Management Plan

The project management plan details how to manage scope, schedule, costs, and risks daily. This approach is further explored in CertifyEra Consulting Services as a go-to reference throughout the project lifecycle.

Which Comes First?

Typically, the project charter is created first, granting the project manager authority to use resources. As discussed in a Reddit forum, starting with a charter is essential, though both documents may be refined in tandem.

What’s the Purpose of a Project Charter?

Establishing Authority and Direction

A well-crafted project charter authorizes the project and clarifies roles, setting a clear direction from day one. It addresses the big “why” questions, aligning the team with the project’s goals.

Building Common Ground

The charter grounds the team in shared objectives, preventing miscommunication and missed deadlines. It lays out scope, resources, and timelines clearly, helping everyone stay aligned.

Serving as a Guiding Framework

Beyond alignment, a charter helps anticipate obstacles and maintain momentum. It outlines constraints, risk factors, and core requirements, serving as a reference point for critical decisions.

How to Write a Project Charter

Understand the Goals

A strong charter starts with a clear definition of what the project should achieve. Articulate the big-picture objectives to align the team’s efforts.

Define the Organization

List main stakeholders, project sponsors, and clarify the project manager’s authority. This establishes decision-making and responsibilities upfront.

Create an Implementation Plan

Outline a rough timeline with milestones and key tasks. Visual tools like timelines or Gantt charts can aid in digesting and sharing the plan.

List Potential Problem Areas

Identify possible obstacles, whether budget constraints, stakeholder interests, or limited resources, and plan responses accordingly.

What Do I Do Once I Finish Writing My Project Charter?

Confirm Authorization

Obtain sign-off from sponsors and stakeholders to make the charter official. This approval indicates agreement on high-level goals and scope.

Develop a Detailed Scope Statement

Expand the initial scope into a comprehensive statement, clarifying inclusions and exclusions to avoid surprises.

Build Your Project Plan

Detail tasks, create a realistic schedule, and outline milestones, including staffing needs, resources, and anticipated risks.

Finalize Roles and Responsibilities

Confirm each person’s responsibilities, authority level, and decision-making power to prevent confusion.

Monitor and Update Continuously

Treat the charter as a living document. Revisit it to confirm alignment with goals and update it if major changes occur.

3 Key Tips for Writing a Project Management Charter

Bring in Your Team Early

Involve your team and key stakeholders from the start. Their input helps catch blind spots and strengthens buy-in.

Keep It Simple and Focused

Focus on core areas—project aims, responsibilities, and progress measurement. Keep the charter clear and concise.

Create a Flexible Template

Develop a reusable framework to save time and ensure consistency. Revisit and update the charter as projects evolve.

Your Project Charter Template

Streamlined Templates for Any Project

Utilize free templates for various project types—Agile, Six Sigma, or general business initiatives. These templates are available in formats like Excel, Word, and Google Docs, simplifying documentation and fostering collaboration.

Project Charter Examples

Example 1: Launching a New Marketing Campaign

For a marketing push, a concise project charter can highlight key points:

• Objectives: Increase product visibility and drive sales up by 15% over the quarter.
• Scope: Focus on social media ads and collaborations. Exclude major site redesigns.
• Responsibilities: Name an overall campaign leader, social media manager, and graphic designer.

Example 2: Upgrading IT Infrastructure

For refreshing IT systems, a straightforward charter can guide the process:

• Objectives: Strengthen system security and reduce network downtime by 25%.
• Scope: Replace outdated hardware, install improved firewalls, and guide employee training.
• Responsibilities: Network engineers handle device replacements, IT security experts manage firewalls, and trainers cover user onboarding.

These examples show how to tailor a project charter to any focus, securing approval and setting the stage for success.

Research Notes

Introduction

• A project charter is a document in project management that outlines the scope, objectives, and participants of a project.
• It serves as a preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines key goals, identifies stakeholders, and defines the authority of the project manager.
• The project charter is also known as a project definition or project statement in various contexts.
• Its main purposes include:

• Identifying the project scope.
• Providing a shared understanding of project objectives.
• Acting as a contract between the project sponsor, stakeholders, and project team, detailing responsibilities.

• A project charter typically includes:

• Reasons for undertaking the project.
• Objectives and constraints (in-scope and out-of-scope items).
• Identities of main stakeholders.
• Risks and issues.
• Benefits of the project.
• High-level budget and spending authority.

• It establishes the authority assigned to the project manager, which is considered an industry best practice.
• The three main uses of the project charter are:

• To authorize the project.
• To serve as a primary sales document for stakeholders.
• To act as a focal point throughout the project for meetings and change control.

• The project charter is typically developed in the initiating process of a project, led by the project manager in collaboration with stakeholders and subject matter experts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_charter

What is a project charter?

Project charter vs. project plan: What’s the difference?

• The content is focused on the differences between a Project Charter and a Project Management Plan, as discussed in a YouTube video by CertifyEra Consulting Services.
• The Project Charter is described as the document that lays the foundation for a project, authorizing it and defining high-level goals, scope, and stakeholders.
• The Project Management Plan is highlighted as a more detailed document that outlines how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.
• The video aims to help viewers understand the distinct purposes of each document and how they complement each other in driving project success.
• The video is part of a series titled “Project Mastery” and is intended for project managers, team leaders, and those looking to enhance their project management knowledge.
• The episode was released on March 18, 2025, and has garnered 11 views as of the time of the summary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgVZlRpoiE

What’s the purpose of a project charter?

The project charter overview

How to write a project charter

• A project charter is a document in project management that outlines the scope, objectives, and participants of a project.
• It serves as a preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines key goals, identifies stakeholders, and defines the authority of the project manager.
• The project charter is also known as a project definition or project statement in various contexts.
• Its main purposes include:

• Identifying the project scope.
• Providing a shared understanding of project objectives.
• Acting as a contract between the project sponsor, stakeholders, and project team, detailing responsibilities.

• A project charter typically includes:

• Reasons for undertaking the project.
• Objectives and constraints (in-scope and out-of-scope items).
• Identities of main stakeholders.
• Risks and issues.
• Benefits of the project.
• High-level budget and spending authority.

• It establishes the authority assigned to the project manager, which is considered an industry best practice.
• The three main uses of the project charter are:

• To authorize the project.
• To serve as a primary sales document for stakeholders.
• To act as a focal point throughout the project for meetings and change control.

• The project charter is typically developed in the initiating process of a project, led by the project manager in collaboration with stakeholders and subject matter experts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_charter

What do I do once I finish writing my project charter?

3 key tips for writing a project management charter

Your project charter template

Project charter examples