TemplatesType: Spreadsheet/Log8 min readUpdated May 2026By Julian Vance

Project Charter Template with Business Case

Having a well-structured project charter example excel is the single most important step you can take to ensure compliance, employee onboarding, retention, and meeting labor law standards. Research consistently shows that teams and individuals who follow a documented, step-by-step process achieve 40% better outcomes compared to those who rely on memory or improvisation alone. Yet, the majority of people still operate without a clear, actionable framework. This comprehensive Project Charter Template with Business Case template bridges that gap — giving you a battle-tested, ready-to-use guide that covers every critical step from start to finish, so nothing falls through the cracks.

What is a Project Charter Template with Business Case?

A project charter example excel is a standardized document used to streamline processes, ensure consistency, and maintain compliance within the business-hr domain. By leveraging this pre-built template, you avoid starting from scratch, thereby reducing errors and saving significant time. Our professionally designed format is easily accessible as a secure PDF, allowing for immediate implementation.

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Template Registry

Standard Operating Procedure

Registry ID: TR-PROJECT-

Project Charter Template

A project charter is a formal document that authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. This template serves as a foundational agreement between the project team and stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, scope, and constraints.

Project Charter

1. Project Information

Project Name: [Project Name]
Project Manager: [Project Manager Name]
Sponsor: [Sponsor Name]
Date: [Date]

2. Project Purpose and Business Case

Business Need: [Describe the problem or opportunity this project addresses]
Strategic Alignment: [How this project supports company goals]

3. Project Objectives

[Objective 1: Must be SMART]
[Objective 2: Must be SMART]
[Objective 3: Must be SMART]

4. Scope Statement

In-Scope: [List primary deliverables and activities]
Out-of-Scope: [List items explicitly excluded from this project]

5. Key Stakeholders

6. High-Level Milestones

[Milestone 1]: [Target Date]
[Milestone 2]: [Target Date]
[Milestone 3]: [Target Date]

7. Budget and Resources

Budget Estimate: [Total Budget Amount]
Required Resources: [List key personnel, equipment, or software]

8. Key Risks and Constraints

Risks: [List primary potential threats to project success]
Constraints: [List limitations such as budget caps, deadlines, or technology requirements]

9. Approval

Sponsor Signature: __________________________
Date: [Date]

Pro Tips

Keep it concise: A project charter should be a high-level overview, not a detailed project plan.
Focus on the "Why": Ensure the business case is clear so that stakeholders understand the value of the investment.
Review regularly: Use this document as a reference point during steering committee meetings to ensure the project has not drifted from its original intent.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of a project charter?

The primary purpose is to formally authorize the project, define its scope and objectives, and establish the project manager's authority to use resources.

Who should sign the project charter?

The project sponsor is the primary signatory, as they are providing the funding and organizational support for the project.

How does a project charter differ from a project plan?

A charter is a high-level document that initiates the project, while a project plan is a detailed document that outlines exactly how the work will be executed, monitored, and controlled.

Official Standardized Document

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