HKSM
Sponsoring Organization
The organization that appoints the project sponsor and serves as the primary channel for project funding and other resources.
Key Points
- Designates the project sponsor who champions and authorizes the initiative.
- Acts as the conduit for budget, approvals, and resource commitments to the project.
- May be a department, business unit, steering committee, client, or external partner.
- Sets high-level expectations and is a key point for escalations and governance.
Example
A retail company's executive committee serves as the sponsoring organization for a new POS rollout. It appoints the CFO as sponsor and releases the funding and procurement authority needed to start the project.
PMP Example Question
Which entity typically appoints the project sponsor and provides the formal channel for project budget and resources?
- Project Management Office (PMO)
- Sponsoring organization
- Performing organization
- Functional manager
Correct Answer: B — Sponsoring organization
Explanation: The sponsoring organization designates the sponsor and channels funding and resources. The PMO supports governance, the performing organization executes work, and functional managers supply staff but do not typically provide the sponsor or budget channel.
