Civil society organizations and grassroot initiatives have not stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept Poland voluntary organizations and spontaneous civic initiatives have demonstrated huge potential of solidarity embodied in the Polish society and its readiness to genuine, creative and effective responses. The article highlights the irreplaceable role of voluntary organizations and spontaneous citizen led activities during the pandemic and before 2020 in mobilizing social support, providing frontline help and essential services and to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Civil society organisations and grassroot initiatives provided food, personal protection equipment and essential sanitary items, often filling the gap when public administration was slow to respond. The article outlines the central and local governments policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for the work of civil society to respond to the spread of COVID-19.