Authorization
Precise statement of the action authorized (initiate, fund, contract), the approving body, and any limits on delegation. Use plain language to reduce interpretation disputes and link to prior board approvals when relevant.
Provides a concise authorized record that links governance decisions to project execution, clarifies authority and budget limits, reduces approval delays, and supports auditability. Using a standard template helps ensure consistent wording, minimizes ambiguity, and preserves corporate records required by state law.
Corporate boards, executive committees, project sponsors, program managers, and legal or finance teams commonly use this template to document formal project approvals.
Small companies, nonprofits, and government program offices adapt the template to match bylaws, procurement rules, or grant conditions.
Precise statement of the action authorized (initiate, fund, contract), the approving body, and any limits on delegation. Use plain language to reduce interpretation disputes and link to prior board approvals when relevant.
Concise description of project objectives, deliverables, geographic or organizational boundaries, and exclusion items. Attach or reference an SOW to avoid ambiguity between planning and deliverables.
Approved funding amount, authorized spend categories, funding source, and contingency rules. Include currency and expiration of authorization to prevent open-ended commitments.
Named individuals with specific signing, contracting, or procurement authorities. Include role, title, and any delegation limits or required co-signatures for high-value actions.
Required status reports, frequency, performance metrics, and escalation paths. Define recipients and distribution format to meet audit and stakeholder needs.
List exhibits such as SOWs, vendor quotes, schedules, or procurement approvals. Ensure each exhibit is labeled and incorporated by reference for legal certainty.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Order | Sequential or parallel routing, set signer order |
| Authentication Method | Email link, SMS code, or KBA; choose strength |
| Conditional Fields | Show fields when criteria met to reduce signer errors |
| Retention Settings | Set automatic archival and export formats (PDF/A) |
Common distribution channels include email, secure signing links, document management integrations, and in-person handoff for physical records.
Allow 3–10 business days for review and edits
Schedule on next board meeting or use written consent
Distribute signed copies within 48 hours of execution
File with corporate records within five business days
Amendments require same approval level as original
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |