The business problem it solves
Projects that start without a signed charter suffer scope disputes, unclear authority, and stakeholder misalignment from day one.
Who should use it
- Project managers starting a new initiative
- Sponsors authorizing work and budget
- PMO teams standardizing project intake
When to use it
Use it at initiation, before planning begins, to secure formal authorization and alignment.
What this template helps you do
- Business case and purpose
- Measurable objectives and success criteria
- In-scope and out-of-scope definition
- High-level milestones, budget, and PM authority
- Stakeholder list and sponsor approval
- Project purpose and business need
- Objectives (SMART)
- Scope: in and out
- Milestones and budget authorization
- Stakeholders and approval signatures
How it connects to the PMOstart 5D Lifecycle
This template supports the Define stage of the PMOstart 5D Lifecycle. It also maps to these related lifecycles, where you can see how the work fits the bigger delivery picture:
Project Management LifecycleGovernance Lifecycle
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
It formally authorizes the project, names the PM, and aligns sponsors on scope, objectives, and success criteria before planning starts.
One to two pages for most projects. Brevity signals clarity; a long charter usually means scope is still unclear.
Every PMOstart template is free. No download limit. Need the work done for you?
Every PMOstart template is free to download and use. When you want the work done, not just the document, PMOstart delivers it: Fractional PMO, project rescue, program and portfolio management, governance, and executive reporting, as a managed monthly service.