How to get management buy-in for a new project?

I need to start a project to change company culture and the first step is to get management buy-in. Any suggestions?

Oh yes, I am on the level that needs to convince my manager, his manager (director), her manager and then the CEO. Of course the change needs to start with them, so its essential to get their buy-in.

First of all, you need to be able to articulate the "what" the project is, the "why" (as in the answer above), and the success criteria. Then define critical success factors (including management support), scope (the interdependency of resources, time, and features. Key relationships are going to be really important here. Then the schedule, of course. But people tend to jump to schedule before doing the above steps. That's a fatal mistake! As said above, culture change projects are very difficult. But if there really is a good reason to do it, go for it. Good Luck!

Changing company culture is no small task. But, think about what a company, any company, does. They make money. So, find out what it is about your culture that is not maximizing profit, and demonstrate how your change would add to the management bonus checks.