Project Charter Template (Free Download)

What Is a Project Charter?

A Project Charter is a concise, high‑level document that formally authorises a project and outlines its purpose, objectives, key stakeholders, and major milestones. It serves as a reference point for the project team and sponsors, ensuring everyone is aligned from day one.

Why You Need a Project Charter

• Clear Scope: Defines what is in‑and‑out of the project.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Provides a single source of truth for sponsors, sponsors, and team members.
• Decision‑Making Framework: Sets authority levels and escalation paths.
• Baseline for Planning: Feeds directly into detailed project plans, risk registers, and budgets.

Core Components of a Project Charter

Every effective charter should contain the following sections. Use the free template below to fill them in.

1. Project Description – A brief narrative of what the project will deliver.
2. Business Case – Why the project matters; expected benefits and ROI.
3. Goals & Objectives – Measurable outcomes the project aims to achieve.
4. Scope Statement – What is included and what is excluded.
5. Stakeholders & Roles – Names, titles, responsibilities, and authority levels.
6. Milestones & Timeline – Key dates, deliverables, and deadlines.
7. Assumptions & Constraints – Conditions that could affect success.
8. Risk Overview – Top‑level risks and mitigation strategies.

Industry‑Specific Examples

IT Software Development

• Goal: Deploy a new SaaS platform within 6 months.
• Stakeholders: Product Owner, CTO, Development Team, QA, End‑User Representatives.
• Key Milestone: MVP release – 12 weeks.

Construction & Real Estate

• Goal: Complete a mixed‑use building with 30% LEED certification.
• Stakeholders: Owner, Architect, General Contractor, City Planning, Investors.
• Key Milestone: Ground‑breaking – 4 weeks after approval.

Marketing Campaign Launch

• Goal: Generate 2,000 qualified leads in 90 days.
• Stakeholders: Marketing Manager, Creative Agency, Sales Lead, Analytics Team.
• Key Milestone: Creative assets freeze – 2 weeks before launch.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Fill the Template

1. Start with the Business Case. Summarise the problem, solution, and expected financial impact. For a deeper dive, check our business plan template.
2. Define Clear Objectives. Use SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound.
3. Identify Stakeholders. List every party who will be impacted or has decision authority.
4. Map Milestones. Work backwards from the final delivery date to set realistic checkpoints.
5. Capture Risks Early. Note the top three uncertainties and provisional mitigation actions.
6. Review & Approve. Share the draft with sponsors for signature before any detailed planning begins.

Quick Reference Checklist

Next Steps – Get Your Free Template

Download the ready‑to‑use Project Charter Template (Word & PDF) from our resources library and start aligning your project today.

Need a broader planning framework? Explore our marketing plan template, the financial statements templates, or the automated Excel reporting toolkit for end‑to‑end project governance.

Start Building Successful Projects Now

Implement the checklist, fill the charter, and share it with your sponsors. A well‑crafted charter reduces scope creep, speeds decision‑making, and paves the way for a smoother project lifecycle.