How many times have you started working on a project and don't even have formal authorization for that project to exist? A project charter is a document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of the project, and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. Using this template will put all the cards on the table. Knowing answers to key areas before you begin will save you time and money. This document includes areas for project overview, authority and milestones, organization, and points of contact.
On your current project, do you know the project oversight authority? Do you know your critical success factors? Have you documented all of your project roles and responsibilities? If you used this template, you would increase your chances for success by documenting the basics up front.
